So, Spurs are planning to release a 2017 version of “We’re on our way to Wembley” which includes the new lyrics “Which of course means we found a way to lose, red ones, green ones, white ones, we even lose to Blues…”

What is it with Tottenham’s insistence on redefining the term ‘Spursy’ at every opportunity? Despite Jermaine Jenas’ opinion that they played Chelsea off the park, Spurs lost. That cunning Conte plan of scoring more goals than the opposition worked yet again.

As Alan Shearer eloquently put it: “Possession doesn’t win games.” Correct, Alan, and may I see football management’s loss is punditry’s gain with that level of analysis. Frank Lampard did his best not to laugh at Jenas, ruffle his hair and say, “what do you know about winning big matches anyway,” as he at least tried to be impartial for all of five minutes, which was almost as long as it took Lloris to put Tottenham on the back foot.

Sure, Kane and Alli were brilliant yet again and there has not been a Tottenham pass as classy as Eriksen’s since Hoddle was in his heyday, but the fact is Spurs played well enough to win at Wembley and didn’t. Again. Well, at least they are not back there anytime soon, right? How’s that psychological blow looking now, Harry?

To make matters worse, Arsenal only went and beat City. Hands up if you saw Wenger line up with three at the back, looked at City’s front line and thought, “time to get some popcorn, this could be fun!” I certainly did. Credit to Wenger, though, this tactical invention of his might just catch on.

Arsenal in the FA Cup final lines up so many potential narratives. Pretend for a moment that Arsenal win it, go on, just for a laugh. Wenger becomes the manager who has won the cup the most times. Do Arsenal get rid? Does he bow out as a champion? Does he use the trophy to get another two years? Alright, alright, Chelsea will batter them so the whole thought process becomes redundant, but hey. Getting to the final and then losing shows that Arsenal can even do being Spursy better than Spurs.

Whilst all that cup football was going on, there was the small matter of Man United and Liverpool trying to turn the Champions League screw when City and Arsenal weren’t looking. United managed to turn it the right way, Jose having little option other than to pick Wayne Rooney since Zlatan passed away. At least, I presume, that’s what those ridiculous warm-shirts were for.

Jose might have had to pick him, but he was sensible enough to say “Wayne, just hang around on the left and keep out of the way, will you?” Rooney did that successfully, only breaking rank to score a goal. Get used to scoring against teams like Burnley and Stoke, Wazza, because that’s what it looks like for you between now and your pension.

Liverpool didn’t just turn the screw the other way, they took it out, looked at it, deliberated which way it needed to be turned, agreed on the correct way, then managed to still turn it the wrong way.

Who had money on Benteke scoring at Anfield? You’d have been wise to have backed it. Beating teams like Arsenal and Liverpool means that Big Sam’s ego is due to be seen in all its glory again very soon. Palace must be safe, which means that’s another big tick for playing a big lad up top and relying on set-pieces.

Liverpool are a curious team. There’s not a great deal between them and Bournemouth for the most consistently inconsistent side of the season. Fair play to Mamdou Sakho, though. That celebration against your actual bosses was delightfully shameless. Especially when it was with someone else Klopp bombed out for little reason.

What did we learn from Swansea beating Stoke? Firstly, never ever let a player with boots in differing colours take a penalty. Secondly, Swansea need to start winning when Hull lose, rather than winning when Hull win. That is a far better potential recipe for not getting relegated. Imagine how gutted Clement must have been to learn that 10-man Hull had beaten a Watford side clearly not interested in having Mazzarri as their manager next season. Sam Clucas, though? What a goal, and he’s English. At least that’s some good Hull news for Paul Merson.

All I really picked up from watching Bournemouth’s thrashing of Middlesbrough was that Gaston Ramirez clearly has plans for the rest of the season that don’t involve helping Steve Agnew win at least one match before being relegated and fired. It’s a long way to Bournemouth from Tyneside, and it feels even longer when you are 2-0 down and have ten men after twenty minutes.

Poor Agnew, if he wasn’t bald already…

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According to reports from Sky Sports, Manchester City and Manchester United are both keen on signing Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel this summer.

The 24-cap Danish international was nothing short of immense as the Foxes unexpectedly lifted last season’s title and he’s one of the few Leicester players who’ve managed to maintain their level of form from 2015/16, making 83 saves in 25 Premier League outings this season.

City are reportedly eyeing their former starlet, who rose through the academy ranks at the Etihad Stadium before leaving for Leeds United and subsequently the east Midlands outfit, but Sky Sports claim he’s now the Red Devils’ first choice to replace David De Gea – should he leave for long-term admirers Real Madrid as expected.

So, United fans, does Schmeichel have what it takes to fill De Gea’s world-class void, or should Jose Mourinho be shopping elsewhere for successors to his current No.1? Let us know by voting below…

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that the club have opened talks over summer deals, but has also made it clear that Champions League qualification will be a deal-breaker for many of their targets.

What’s the word?

The Reds will go into their game against West Ham at the London Stadium this Sunday knowing exactly where they stand in the top four with their closest rivals, Manchester City and Arsenal, both playing their respective games the day before.

Having dropped crucial points against the likes of Bournemouth and Southampton in recent weeks, Klopp knows a win against Slaven Bilic’s side, who come into the game having beaten second-placed Tottenham at London Stadium just over a week ago, is imperative.

Missing out on the top four could have ramifications beyond where they are playing there football next year and, whilst the former Borussia Dortmund boss confirmed that talks had begun, he also admitted that his targets had other suitors and that a seat at Europe’s top table would be crucial for negotiations.

Speaking ahead of the east London clash, the German said;

“The players we are talking to, I know they have offers from other clubs. It’s important for the club,

“There’s a lot of money in Champions League, as a football club we have to do this.

“Should I go to the players in the dressing room, ‘boys the better you play the better the players that replace you next year are’?!”

Who is he chasing?

The self-proclaimed ‘Normal One’ has a fondness for attacking talent and, whilst that is the case for many of his rumoured targets such as Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Inter Milan’s Ivan Peresic, the German has also been heavily linked with a move for one of the most sought after names this summer.

Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk is likely to be swayed by the lure of Europe’s blue ribbon competition this summer, with the 25-year-old likely to have the pick of the Premier League’s top destinations over the next few months.

However, should the Reds miss out and have to settle for Europa League, another rumoured target in Burnley’s Michael Keane would less likely demand Champions League football should he be offered a move away from Turf Moor.

According to The Mirror, Manchester City are being forced to drop their asking price of £20m for Joe Hart after the Citizens received no interest in the England international at that valuation.

What’s the story?

One of Pep Guardiola’s first decisions as Man City boss was to relinquish Hart of his goalkeeping duties at the Etihad Stadium, with Claudio Bravo purchased from Barcelona to replace the 30-year-old last summer.

Hart was subsequently sent on loan to Torino for the 2016-17 campaign – where he made 37 appearances – but the stopper will return to Manchester ahead of the 2017-18 season.

It is understood that there will be no place in the squad for Hart, however, after Man City spent just over £34m to sign Ederson from Benfica, with the Brazilian set to battle Bravo for the number one spot.

According to The Mirror, Man City told interested clubs that Hart would be available for £20m, but there has been no interest at that price, which has left Guardiola’s side in a difficult position.

Who wants the England goalkeeper?

Everton, Liverpool and West Ham United were all linked with Hart in January, but it is said that the goalkeeper wanted to finish the season in Torino after the Italian club put their faith in him last summer.

It is understood that Man City are not interested in sanctioning another loan deal, and instead want to cut all ties with Hart, who is two appearances short of 350 for the Citizens following a 2006 move from Shrewsbury Town.

Everton are believed to still be monitoring developments at the Etihad, although it has been reported that Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford is now their number one choice in the goalkeeping department.

Torino, meanwhile, are interested in signing Hart on a regular basis, but would not be able to come up with a £20m transfer figure, nor the £130,000-a-week wages that the 30-year-old picks up from Man City.

Hart is at an interesting crossroads in his career as he plans to leave Man City for good, and there will surely be more parties in the hunt if Man City decide to slash their £20m valuation in the coming weeks.

As reported by Croatian outlet Sportske Novotski, Everton are readying a big bid for Gent goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports from The Daily Mirror last month suggested Ronald Koeman was preparing to bring Sunderland number one Jordan Pickford to Goodison Park but it appears he’s keeping his options open and casting his eye to the continent for a goalkeeping solution.

Sportske Novotski say Croatian international Kalinic has emerged as a top target for Ronald Koeman after an impressive stint at Belgian side Gent. With new and significant resources available to him, the outlet says that Everton could even be prepared to pay up to £17.5m for the 27-year-old.

Could this be one of the inspired signings of the summer?

Who is he?

Kalinic has experience of facing English Premier League sides already, he was between the sticks earlier this year when the Belgian side shocked Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League, knocking them out of the competition.

He’s had an impressive season domestically too, winning goalkeeper of the year in Belgium despite having only joined Gent in January. The Croatian kept a huge nine clean sheets in just 23 domestic matches.

Having previously won similar awards in his native country, it’s clear he’s a goalkeeper who can show the consistency required to be a success in the Premier League.

While the reported £17.5m is a lot of money, there’s no doubt Everton can afford it and if a move for the shot-stopper solves their goalkeeping woes next season then it would be worth it.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are being held to ransom on one of their big summer transfer targets.

What’s the story?

Manchester United are on the hunt for players that can allow them to compete in both the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League next season.

They’ll be scouring clubs big and small across the world for players Jose Mourinho feels can bring them to the next level.

One they’re interested in is Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic. That’s according to Manchester Evening News, who say that the Red Devils rate the player at £30m.

However, there’s a difference in valuation with Inter Milan holding out for £45m for the 28-year-old according to the report.

Is he worth that kind of cash?

Worth the money?

There’s no doubting that Perisic is an elite player. He’s played at the highest level for Borussia Dortmund, Wolfsburg and Inter for years now, often an effective presence across the attacking midfield.

However, the reported £45m is a lot of money for a 28-year-old and although he has great versatility, there’s perhaps better value on the market.

His return of 11 goals and 8 assists for the Italian club last season is decent but there are plenty of other players who offered more direct goal contributions that may be available for the same sort of money.

If Man United can talk Inter down to their reported valuation of £30m then the deal starts to make a lot more sense but the higher the fee, the more we reckon that Mourinho should move on to other targets.

According to reports in The Mirror, Newcastle United are interested in signing Villarreal striker Cedric Bakambu this summer, but they will have to pay a club-record fee to get him.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Mirror says that Magpies manager Rafa Benitez is looking to make some progress in the transfer market this week and that he is keen on a deal for Bakambu.

However, the report adds that West Ham have already a £22m bid rejected for the DR Congo international, which means that the Tyneside outfit would have to pay a fee considerably in excess of the £16m they paid for Michael Owen in 2005.

How good was Bakambu last season?

While his record wasn’t quite as good as in the 2015/16 campaign when he scored 22 goals in all competitions, the 26-year-old was still an impressive performer for the La Liga outfit.

The striker netted 11 goals and provided a further two assists in 34 appearances in total, which wasn’t too bad considering he missed the start of the campaign with a hamstring injury and then represented his country at the African Cup of Nations in January.

Would he be a good signing for Newcastle?

He certainly could be, yes.

Bakambu has shown over the course of the last three seasons what a fine finisher he can be, and he looks to have all of the attributes to be a success in the Premier League.

However, the transfer fee could be a sticking point as the Magpies may feel they could get a better deal for an alternative striker elsewhere seeing as he will cost more than £22m and has no Premier League experience.

Would Newcastle be willing to pay more than £22m?

While they probably wouldn’t want to, they will also be aware that the price tags on players are going to go through the roof this summer, and that they may have to pay big fees to bring their targets to St James’ Park and see off any competition from their rivals.

Benitez will want to be backed by Mike Ashley and securing a big-money deal for Bakambu would certainly be a statement of intent to the manager and the rest of the Premier League.

This summer has seen a lot of strange things happening around transfer announcements. From Roma confirming their new signing via FIFA 17, to Yeovil Town using a new Snapchat feature to declare their’s to the world and Stoke putting poor Josh Tymon on the spot with perhaps the most awkward of thumbs up you’ll see.

However, what has confused many is Manchester United’s new approach to their dealings this year, with the Red Devils having confirmed a deal for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, before a medical has been undertaken and medical terms agreed.

It’s not only the way in which the club announced the deal that has taken some by surprise, but the move as a whole has caused some confusion, namely to Liverpool legend Robbie Folwer.

The former Reds striker, who scored 183 goals across two spells with the Merseysiders, has used his column in The Mirror to question just how the move came about.

“I have to admit I’m baffled by Romelu Lukaku’s decision to join Manchester United,” wrote the former England striker.

“It’s a funny one, why would he want to go and play for a manager who has already twice deemed him not good enough, which is exactly what Jose Mourinho has done, whatever way he wraps it up.

“Ok, I get he’ll say he’s improved, I get he is no doubt a better player, but really? It’s a strange one for me, especially as this deal looks suspiciously like it is a last minute deal.

“Everyone said he was nailed on for Chelsea and they were quietly confident, United seemed to be in for Morata, so what has changed so much to persuade Lukaku to risk his confidence, reputation and future with Mourinho.”

The Belgian international, who made just three appearances under the Special One at Stamford Bridge before he was sold to the Toffees in 2014, has also confirmed his move to Old Trafford – again ahead of any full announcement from United.

While Fowler goes on to balance his argument stating that the former Chelsea youngster is an upgrade on Zlatan Ibrahimovic and that, given his age, there is plenty of time to iron out any kinks in his game, there is a strange air around the sudden change of tide, with the 24-year-old seemingly all but a Blues player once again just weeks ago.

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Out-of-favour Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere praised West Ham United’s addition of goalkeeper Joe Hart on a season-long loan deal via his official Twitter account, but Ghttps://twitter.com/JackWilshere/status/887435200195637250unners fans were quick to urge the 25-year-old to stay at the Emirates.

The England international spent last season on loan at Bournemouth after struggling to break into the starting line-up under Arsene Wenger following a number of injuries and drop in form, and the Daily Star says that the club want £20m to sell the player this summer, despite the fact he has just one year remaining on his deal.

The report adds that the Irons are one of the interested clubs, and Wilshere’s latest tweet will only add fuel to the fire that he could be on his way to the London Stadium in the coming weeks.

Arsenal supporters were quick to have their say on the post via social media, with the majority wanting the star to stay with the club.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Three weeks ago, when FootballFanCast argued Tottenham fans needed a reality check, the north London club’s lack of activity in the transfer market was more than understandable.

The Lilywhites rarely make early signings and this summer in particular, Mauricio Pochettino faces a difficult challenge. With an already highly-talented and finely tuned starting XI, the Argentine is tasked with attracting players to sit on the bench but still add quality to the team. Players who fall into that bracket aren’t easy to come by, let alone convince into spending next season as a substitute first and foremost.

But there’s now just one month of the transfer window remaining, the Premier League’s opening weekend is less than two weeks away, and the situation hasn’t changed. In fact, Tottenham are the only Premier League club yet to make a single signing of any description, despite picking up a cool £50million off divisional rivals Manchester City for selling Kyle Walker. That money, at the very least, must be reinvested into the squad to compensate for what Pep Guardiola has taken away.

Once again, Tottenham are an exceptionally talented and young team, one that has steadily and naturally grown under Pochettino’s watch from top four race also-rans into genuine Premier League title challengers. It’s logical to assume players like Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen can jump up another gear in the coming season, whilst – much like Heung-Min Son’s two terms at White Hart Lane – Vincent Janssen and Georges Kevin-N’Koudou will likely fare significantly better this time out.

Yet, to think organic improvement within the squad is enough on its own would be naïve. Tottenham showed in the second half of last season how consistently dominant they can be, but they still failed to get past the group stages of the Champions League, to progress in the Europa League and to get to either final of the two domestic cups despite, on paper at least, being the second-best team in England.

That was vindicated by Tottenham’s best final standing in the top flight since 1963, but a runner-up finish in the Premier League will be a tougher ask this season now that Jose Mourinho and Guardiola have taken advantage of a second summer window to truly mould the squad they inherited from predecessors, not to mention Arsenal benefitting from their absence from the Champions League and Everton spending lavishly as well. Forget the title race; the battle for the top four alone will be the most competitive we’ve ever seen.

On top of that, this Tottenham side is beginning to reach a point where a trophy is essential to truly signify the talent it possesses. That’s far more than simply a symbolic notion; if Pochettino can’t obtain silverware soon, heads will inevitably turn towards more successful divisional rivals. Spurs, whether willingly or not, have already lost Walker to City – that could well be the first step in this Spurs side self-deconstructing unless Pochettino can prove to the players that they can achieve their personal ambitions at White Hart Lane. The lack of progress over Toby Alderweireld’s new contract is already concerning.

Perhaps most crucially, however, is Tottenham’s need for a strong start to the season, something made all-the-harder by the temporary move to Wembley. Spurs will only have one pre-season outing at their new home before the Premier League starts up and their record there is famously unexemplary. Accordingly, Tottenham need signings bedded in quickly to hit the ground running. We’re already at the stage of the summer, however, where any acquisitions will have some catching up to do.

Once again, the starting XI largely takes care of itself at Tottenham. There’s no drastic need for Pochettino bring in a £50million player who adds a different dynamic to his first team. But what’s most surprising is that Tottenham haven’t even made their usual low-cost punts this summer, like Janssen and N’Koudou, to bolster the squad and continue the mantra of Pochettino developing young, cheap players with high potential.

A transfer window doesn’t necessarily make a season – Arsenal made just one signing in 2015, Petr Cech, and eventually finished up in second place – but something has to give soon or Tottenham will run the risk of the momentum built over the last three seasons suddenly petering out. And when push comes to shove, it will eventually be Pochettino – not Daniel Levy or the club’s transfer experts – who pays the price for an underwhelming 2017/18. It may not result in his dismissal directly, but it will certainly cast doubts over whether he can take the club further forward.

That’s why it must be the Argentine who, at this point in the summer, makes his voice heard. Whether that’s publicly or privately, with the threat of an ultimatum or simply some well-chosen words that get the message across more subtly, it’s imperative Pochettino himself starts to make a louder and more active push for new signings to Tottenham’s paymasters.

There’s still a month of the transfer window to go and plenty of time to get deals done, but if Tottenham don’t get into gear soon they’ll enter the season under a cloud of concern, the perception being that they’re allowing themselves to be left behind. It says a lot about the hyperbolic psyche in the Premier League that a quiet summer leads to predictions of a mini-implosion, yet the margins in the division are now so fine that any sign of not keeping up with the pace is inevitably seen as a weakness. And as is often the case with negative perceptions, they can quickly become the reality.

Tottenham have unquestionably overachieved over the last two seasons, but reinforcements are vital to sustaining that rise. That’s the message Pochettino, one way or another, must relay to Levy before it’s too late. With less than two weeks to go until the first round of Premier League fixtures, the South American and his club are quickly running out of time.